My Two Writing Teachers colleagues and I are hosting the 13th Annual March Slice of Life Story Challenge, in which hundreds of teachers participate in posting a story per day.

Dear Kids,

I need you to listen closely to this. I know I say this all the time, but I really really mean it this time.

Wash your hands.

With soap.

And hot water.

Sing the ABC’s while you do it.

Seriously. I mean it. Wash your damn hands. If not for your selves, do it for me. I don’t want to get sick. I can’t afford to get sick. You can’t afford for me to get sick.

And please PLEASE stop touching your faces! At the very least, just don’t put your fingers in your mouth. And PLEASE just don’t lick ANYTHING. I know you think it’s funny. It’s not. It’s disgusting, it’s gross, and now it’s dangerous. So just stop. Stop licking things, and stop putting your grubby fingers anywhere near your face.

Honestly, I can’t believe I even have to tell you these things. But apparently I do. Repeatedly.

I love you both so much.

Love,

Your Mom